The Long Way Home. Complete.

[yruvian]

Thank you .

They're a really odd couple at times.

[yruvian]

Another victory for me: I've finished the plumber handiness skill challenge! Now, as soon as I max out sculpting, I can get us a shower. Maybe that will help heal the relationship with Mariska. Ever since she got burned, she's been looking for a way to wash away the ashes... and the foam of the extinguisher. The rain obviously isn't going to help with this.

It will be nice to be really clean again. I feel horridly filthy by now. It seems the grime is piling up everywhere. Thankfully, my clothing hasn't lost any of the magic, It still stays white, no matter what I do. My untrustworthy companion has already asked me several times why I always have to wear white, even while gardening. I simply shrug it off. It's our colour, you know? Only my twin has ever worn anything but white, as far as I know. It also happens to be my favourite colour. Of course, it also helps that I don't own any non-white cloths, so the point is moot really.

I now only have one more level to go in both handiness and sculpting. Once I max both, I will also have my life time wish completed. After that, I'll have to concentrate on painting, because that will be the only skill missing before I can actually start on the colony nearby. Hopefully, that will also be the moment when we start living a bit more comfortably. Still, I'm surprised the rough living hasn't been tougher on me. I've always had any luxury anyone can imagine up until the moment of my exile, but it hasn't really been that bad to go without... most of the times. 

I dream of taking a long and hot bubble bath though. It seems to be the one thing I miss most, aside from the company of those like me. Of course, getting rid of those dreary gray walls is a close enough second. They're so dull... and boring... and dull... They leech my mind of any kind of inspiration. Have I mentioned I really don't like gray? Well, I don't.


I guess I've shown Mariska that I don't trust her any more. For the first time, I let her go to the beach by herself. While she's gone, I can finally take some time at the sculpting station again. I still have a way to go before I max that skill, but I suppose that will have to wait until she's managed to make my first ice sculpture. That shouldn't take that much longer though. According to her, she's nearly done with her ice sculptures. One more and they shouldn't melt any longer. Which will be a relief... I've rather had it with the amount of melting puddles anywhere near the house.

I know we're both to blame for the mass of melting sculptures on our grounds, but, as long as there's no place to sell them... and no one to sell them to... we have to keep them here. And watch them melt. Slowly. At first it wasn't so bad. We only had one or two melting at the same time, but since we've both cranked up our output, there's now puddles everywhere. It's nearly as bad as the gray walls! At least the water seeps into the ground on it's own.

I just thought of something. Neat sims would have a ball with this mission of mine. I doubt they'd get as far as I am now. Between the lack of plumbing and the melting sculptures all over the place... This would really be hellish for a Neat sim.

[yruvian]

Mariska's ice statues no longer melt. Her very first one after that important 25th, was the one she made of Young Adult me... and it turned out to be a true masterpiece! I've placed it right on the roof of the bunker, just to make sure I don't sell that one important piece of evidence once we can get rid of the collection of statues here.

Now that Mariska has managed a Masterpiece statue of me, she's set on making the paintings the same level. I'm not sure why, really. Maybe she's trying to make up for her earlier betrayal, but I don't really see the point in having even more portraits of me around. They're only there as proof that I've aged all the way up to elder, so their value doesn't matter at all. I wonder what Mother wants them for really, as she would know it if I were to find a way to stop ageing without Her help. Maybe they'll be used as a deterrent for any angels stupid enough to follow my footsteps.

*sighs* I so do not want to be used as an example as to what happens to those that upset Her this way. Of course, it's my own stupidity that has gotten me into this position in the first place...


Another tick on the check-list! I have finally managed to max out sculpting! Time to add a shower to our bunker! Sadly enough, not a tub, because Mariska told me we will need the simoleons we've saved up so far for more important things than bubble-baths. I'm disappointed, of course, but I guess I can settle for a shower instead. It will be good to finally feel clean again.


As a true gentleman should, I leave the shower to her first. I'm sure she'll be properly grateful for the chance at finally removing the ash, cinder and foam of her near death attempt.  It will be odd to see her in regular clothing again. It seems so long ago since she first got singed.


Aside from the shower, Mariska has told me to get a chess set as well. She informed me of its use in learning logic... and socialize at the same time. Up until now, the only skill that leant itself for idle conversation, has been fishing. But... we all know why I prefer to do that alone these days, don't we?

Now only painting is left... The last skill to max before new colonists can move in, so Mariska may find another target for her romantic endeavours. It will be nice to feel safe again... or, maybe I should say 'safer', because it's by no means certain that there will be a suitable candidate for her in the first batch I suppose.

I guess I can pray for a partner for my companion? Would that be breaking the 'no contact' rule? Or would it be something a regular sim may do to get his most heartfelt wishes fulfilled? I refrain from trying... after all, I don't want to break the rule unknowingly. Of course, I know my thoughts and wishes can be read by my watching brethren, as I used to pick them up from any sim I was watching as well.

[Audren]

Congratulations on your sculpting triumphs! Hopefully soon we'll have more neighbors! 

[yruvian]

Congratulations on your sculpting triumphs! Hopefully soon we'll have more neighbors! 

Not just yet... but they're coming, I promise. As are the first community locations.

[yruvian]

Before we go for our just about weekly outing to the beach, I make sure Mariska depletes her magic power. I don't want to get caught in the same trap twice. She doesn't complain, just does as I ask her.
"Be careful, Gabriel," a voice whispers. "She wants to fall in love with someone... and you just happen to be the only one nearby." *sighs* "Thanks for the warning, Raph," I mumble, making sure my witch companion doesn't notice. Of course, I've already made sure there was no magic power left, but I know by now that she has more arrows up her bow.

Even so, for the moment, it seems like we've found our old companionship again.

"Smooth move, Gabriel, bringing up marriage. Are you really that insensitive?" the wind whispers in my ear.  So... I change the subject to the first different thing that pops into my mind.

"I really can't believe you. Find something else to chat about or go back home already. You're going to make her fall for you even more! She's a family-oriented, hopeless romantic for crying out loud. No talking about kids, marriage or plain love!" The muttered follow-up may not be meant for my ears... "Never thought I raised you to be an asocial idiot..."

I swallow, blush... and revert to silence for a little, before taking Mother's advice... and returning home. Mariska follows a little after. She frowns at me, but doesn't say anything. Maybe she's as mystified by my behaviour as I often am by hers. I actually feel a bit vindicated by that.

[yruvian]

I have achieved the life wish that was part of this challenge: I have maxed my first three skills! Gardening, Sculpting and now handiness! This really does feel great! It is also certain proof that I can do this thing! Three skills down... and I'm close to opening up the first buildings outside the bunker. Only a few more levels in painting to go!

"Congratulations, Gabriel," a soft, well-known voice whispers. "Because you've finished the first part of the challenge, I'm giving you back some of your old powers. No more running to the toilet... and you won't need as much sleep any more either. Enjoy." I gasp in surprise, as Mother's gentle touch ruffles my hair. I feel the changes take place... and can't help think I'd much rather have my wings back.

It may be simple vanity and it's definitely ungrateful of me, but... I feel a bit lost without them, even after weeks of getting used to it. In my mind, they are more a part of what I am than any other thing. Even though I must admit Mother's reward makes a lot more sense. My wings would only get in the way.


(Both of them have nearly 100K of happiness points by now... Gabriel also has the Swift Learning. Mariska gets the Steel Bladder at the same time Gabriel does. It's quite odd that they get that many happiness, while one of their motives has been in the red just about constantly. Mariska even has that many without finishing her life time wish!)

[yruvian]

With winter coming closer and temperatures dropping, I think it may be a good idea to build us a bigger shelter, so we can keep skilling up without getting too cold. I definitely dislike the current weather. Give me burning heat any time, though I doubt Mariska agrees. She still hesitates to go out when the weather's fine. I think she fears getting caught on fire again.

Once Mariska finishes her current project on the sculpting station, I'm moving that one inside too. She's making sure we have proper chairs for the chess board. I have bought her a little something as well: a bird cage, hoping her current familiar will stay with us a little longer. She named this one Pino... and I can't help but smile. She may not know it, but that name reminds me of another bird.

"Where'd you think she got her inspiration?" a bodiless voice laughs once Mariska has bedded down for the day. I smirk. Leave it to my brethren to lighten up the mood with their light touches. Though the joke may be lost on my companion, it serves as a reminder that I still have friends at home, though they are unable to come to my aid in any real way. Even so, it's the small touches that have always been our strongest side. Let Mariska's watchers control Sims' actions. We'll settle for the small things.

I grin, as I realize she still hasn't seen the slightest proof of us being watched. Does she still long for the interference of those she calls the Watchers? Or is she happy to be allowed to go her own way and do what she wants to? Frankly, there are times when I wish for one of those myself, to keep Mariska from her repeated attempts at romance.

Of course, if my brethren were to act the way she described, there's no telling where I'll end up. They're as likely to cause even more mischief and trouble for me as to help... even those that are on my side. I know, because it would be the same if our roles were reversed... It's just so tempting to mess with a sim's life once in a while. Just a touch here and there... a little bit of our magic... This must be the first time in my life that I'm actually grateful for the limitations on our own 'interventions'.

I'm glad I managed to max out gardening before all our plants went dormant too. It looks like it may be some time before we get any fresh produce again. Thankfully, we both have plenty of vegetables and fruit right now. And we can always revert to live of Mariska's magic if the need arises.


After a bit of redecorating (yes, already), we manage to get everything placed in a way we both can accept. I guess it's my own fault for moving things around without asking for her input. If I've learned anything since being exiled, it has to be that sims really want things placed just so... and no other way will possibly do. Now that everything's finally to her satisfaction, it's time to have a little game of chess before bed.

(In other words... I've had some routing issues with the chessboard where I put it at first...)

[Magz from Oz]

Congratulations on achieving the life time wish.  Gabriel is indeed the Renaissance Man!  Great update.

[Audren]

Those silly routing issues! I bet Gabriel never had to worry about those before! 

[yruvian]

Congratulations on achieving the life time wish.  Gabriel is indeed the Renaissance Man!  Great update.

Thanks . He'll have a lot more skills to max out before he succeeds his challenge though!

Those silly routing issues! I bet Gabriel never had to worry about those before! 

No, I don't think he had to . I'm sure he's used to being able to go anywhere he wants to, without having to contend with routing issues.



I'm having a bit of an issue with the world they're living in at the moment... and am still pondering whether to continue (but... with them on a different island. I can always blame that on Gabriel's brethren...) or to restart entirely. Just when Mariska fell in love with one of the new inhabitants too <.<.

[yruvian]

Yes! Another step closer to home. I have maxed out my painting skill... and now the time has come to open up the island for the first few colonists. With the skills I have finished so far, I'm now allowed to build four houses, a consignment building, a pool and an art gallery. I also can build as many parks as I want to... Maybe those aren't the most interesting to build at first, but... they're the first ones I have managed to unlock.



Now that I've been able to build a consignment store, I guess it's about time to sell all of our stockpiled paintings and sculptures, except for the ones I have to keep... While I'm at it, I may just as well meet some of the new people in town.


It seems one of my brethren is playing a trick on me... the Masterpiece statue of me, that Mariska made, has been turned into some kind of ogre! So... now she'll have to try repeating the process, which means I'll be posing for sculptures and paintings again. *sighs* Mariska really wants them to be Masterpieces, though I've been trying to convince her of the opposite. I'm quite happy as soon as I get one statue and one painting of me for each state... After all, all this posing is taking time off my own skilling.



James Parson, the consignment manager... who is happily married with Jess, as I already found out. That makes two less possible partners for Mariska already... but I'm sure there will be finer prospects around Redemption Isle. Though... maybe I should let Mariska do her own search. It's just that she's spending all of her time sculpting and painting me...


I've also added a few windows to our own little house, as well as actual floor and wallpaper. It now looks less like a bunker, which seems to help Mariska's mood a lot. I'm just glad the dull gray is gone now.

Because Mariska keeps telling me logic should be my next maxed skill (she really wants electricity....), I bought a telescope and a chem lab. I guess I'll be spending a lot of time using those two. And, as a little gift for my witch friend, I added a couple of guitars. That way, she can now work on her own lifetime wish... and I can hope she'll spend some time outside with the thing. Music, for sims, is a thing of romance, is it not? If I can just persuade her to practice at the gallery or the new pool, she may be able to find someone as lovey dovey as she is.

Of course, like all my kind, I thoroughly enjoy music myself... We just never use it to woo others, as we don't need to try for baby. We're also all males, except for Mother. And She makes sure none of us start our existence insane enough to make a move on Her.
If I manage to max out my guitar skill, I'll be able to open up some entertainment for our citizens. Still, I suppose they're more interested in things like schools and science at the moment. So, logic it is.


(All buildings on the island are build by Gabriel... which explains the feel of sameness.)

[Magz from Oz]

So nice to see more of the town.  Hope he doesn't abducted by aliens trying to max his logic skill.  That may add an unplanned element to your story.

[yruvian]

So nice to see more of the town.  Hope he doesn't abducted by aliens trying to max his logic skill.  That may add an unplanned element to your story.

There'll be more of the town from now on, as Gabriel is slowly filling it up more.

So far in my saved game, he's been abducted four times already... and Mariska once. No pregnancies, thankfully. But I don't mind the unplanned parts that much. I'm sure I can find a way to include it if necessary . The challenge of Sims, I guess .

[yruvian]

Mariska really wants to see the new gallery... and I don't mind showing it to her. I'm actually rather proud of that particular building. Of course, there isn't that much art inside yet. I'm hoping most of it will be filled by local artists. Which, most likely, will come down to Mariska and me filling it up ourselves.

Too bad there's no one else present when we visit... i was actually hoping for her to find someone over there. Maybe the pool or the greenhouse will be better targets for another outing.



"Gabriel! How on earth am I supposed to sculpt anything decent with you pulling faces all the time?" I just shrug. I'm so tired of all this posing... Right after our visit to the art gallery, no less.

In between all of her sculpting attempts, she manages to max out her own painting skill. At least that's the first part of her lifetime wish ready. Of course, I also have to pose for quite a lot of paintings, though she sometimes paints something else entirely. I guess she does bore of the same subject all the time.

With my increased logic, I'm mighty curious about the aliens that have managed to capture me a couple of times so far. I wonder how their vehicle works... and where they come from.

When I feel their presence on the island again, I don't hesitate. I run into the lights... and, sure enough, they take me with them again. This time I'm the one asking most of the questions... but they just act the way Mother would: they laugh at my 'youthful curiosity' and let me go without any answers whatsoever.